Neurointerventional Radiology
Radiology
Neurointerventional radiology is a relatively new but growing subspecialty of radiology. These specialists use minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat disorders of the blood vessels of the spine, neck and head.
Utilized in place of more invasive procedures which require opening the skull or exposing the spinal column, neurointerventional procedures are minimally invasive, meaning they can be accomplished through tiny incisions no bigger than the size of a nickel.
Interventional neuroradiologists use microcatheters, stents, balloons, and similar devices to diagnose/treat aneurysms, vascular formations, strokes and other conditions using high-tech image guidance. In the past, many of these conditions would have required open brain surgery.
BayCare Clinic was the first to bring an interventional neuroradiologist to Northeast Wisconsin, and for many years was the only clinic to offer this highly specialized field of medicine. Our neurointerventional radiologists work closely with regional neurologists and BayCare Clinic's neurosurgeons in a team-based care approach.
Brain & Spine Images
Whether these specialists are treating the brain or the spine, high-resolution medical imaging is what makes these minimally invasive procedures possible. Imaging technology transmits internal images of the brain or spine to a large screen, making it possible to see the problem area.
Many conditions that would have once required open surgery can now be treated through neurointerventional procedures:
- Aneurysms
- Cerebral artery stenosis
- Spinal compression fractures
- Strokes
- Tumors of the head, neck and spine
- Vascular malformations
Note: Neurointervention may not be appropriate treatment for every patient with these health conditions.
Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay is the first certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in northeastern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. That certification recognizes the most advanced stroke treatment available and the center’s ability to provide the highest level of care for stroke patients. Aurora BayCare Medical Center is one of four certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers in the state, making it one of Wisconsin’s leaders in stroke care.
Patient Outcomes
Neurointerventional treatments are proven and cost-effective. When compared to traditional open surgery, these therapies offer shorter recovery time, fewer complications, and less post-operative pain.
Related Links
Brain Aneurysms
Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery
Related Articles
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